On March 28, 2016, the New York State Assembly passed A9177, a bill introduced by Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright that removes the sunset provision from last year’s legislation clarifying the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s ability to distribute Public Purpose Funds on Roosevelt Island. The removal of the sunset provision – which initially called for the legislation to expire on December 31, 2016 – will allow RIOC to distribute the funds indefinitely. Sponsored in the Senate by Senator José Serrano, the legislation has now passed both houses and awaits delivery to the Governor’s office.

“For the past 25 years, the Roosevelt Island community has used public purpose funding to create a vibrant and supportive island for its residents,” Seawright said. “The community depends on this funding to ensure that its excellent programs for Islanders young and old continue year after year. I am hopeful that the Governor, who has already shown his support for Public Purpose Funds by signing our previous legislation, will stand by Roosevelt Islanders once again and allow these funds to be distributed indefinitely.”

The recent passage of the PPF legislation devoid of the "sunset clause" speaks well to the efforts of our legislative representatives, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and Senator Jose Serrano. Their efforts, having been informed by the Government Relations Committee (GRC) of the RIRA Common Council, will hopefully lead to more stabilized funding support to qualified 501c organizations here on the Island. As a member of the GRC and Chair of the PPF Committee, while grateful for the legislative effort, I anxiously await the endorsement of the Governor of this worthwhile program. So, on behalf of the PPF Committee, we thank the Governor in advance for his acceptance of the legislation.

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Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.

The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.